What's new about the new economy?
Technology has changed the rules. The new way
of doing things requires not only technical mastery
but also "soft skills" including integrative
ability, reliability, dedication, determination,
and interpersonal relations.
To stay ahead, follow these 10 "be-attitudes"
for your continued career development.
1. Be Mentored
Pick someone who will teach you the ropes. Take
time to learn the culture of the company since
each organization is unique and different. Keep
an open mind and don't form too many opinions
too early on. Once you have learned the rules
you will understand how to get things done.
2. Be Motivated
Present yourself as an energetic and enthusiastic
professional. Demonstrate your self-confidence
and go to work each day ready to tackle the challenges
ahead. Learn to think and act for yourself with
a sense of purpose. Can you generate results?
3. Be Self-managed
Manage your own career by building your experience
as quickly as you can. Your ability to manage
your time efficiently will allow you to wear more
hats, balancing your work and outside commitments.
Take advantage of company or external training
programs. Whether you are going into a full-blown
graduate program or merely participating in a
seminar to improve your skills, you will need
to reinvest continually in yourself.
4. Be Current
Keeping up with trends, skills, and technical
proficiencies will help you build a better resume
each year. The role of knowledge is even more
valuable today than it used to be, and companies
expect you to stay current.
5. Be Focused: Short-term and Long-term
In the new economy, you might not be in your current
role for long. Consider the skills and experience
you can develop and then bring to another position
within the firm or perhaps another company. Determine
what you want to accomplish within the next year
as well as within the next three to five years.
A career that is chosen today is not necessarily
the one you will choose for life.
6. Be a Communicator
Your ability to speak clearly and articulately
in front of small and large groups is key to your
success in the new economy. Also, can you get
your message across by writing concisely? Companies
desire strong oral and written communication skills
for effective presentations to clients, employees,
and boards of directors.
7. Be a Team Player
Most projects in the new economy are being accomplished
by teams of employees. Your ability to get along
with different types of people in a work group
and achieve a common goal will be rewarded.
8. Be Fast
or Be Last
Recruiters want new hires who can hit the ground
running. Employers want workers who are able to
show initiative in assessing situations, identifying
options, and implementing solutions to problems.
Do you have the flexibility and creativity to
think outside the box or do you need to be told
what to do? You will need to think and act quickly
so you don't get left behind in the digital divide.
9. Be Entrepreneurial
Innovative leaders are rewarded; followers are
not. Learn to take calculated risks and be prepared
to participate. Stay organized. Take ownership
of your responsibilities with a "can do"
spirit. See yourself as a project manager with
the attitude, "If it's going to be, it's
up to me."
10. Be Education and Experience Oriented
Firms seek new hires that demonstrate a balance
between academics and relevant work. Employers
prefer a strong GPA since it shows a level of
dedication and commitment. Companies also want
you to come to the table "job ready"
with transferable skills, practical internships,
and related experience.
Reprinted from JobWeb
with permission of the National Association of
Colleges and Employers, copyright holder.
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